Why
do some people seem to have all the luck? They're always in the
right place at the right time. Their businesses prosper. They
get one fantastic promotion after another. In short: they enjoy
phenomenal success. What explains it? Are they doing something
special, or is good fortune selecting them by chance?

For a moment, let's put aside winning the lottery-which seems
to be a random type of luck-and instead focus on those who consistently
achieve extraordinary results in their lives. Often, we attribute
their accomplishments to random luck. However, after studying
the lives of these people, I've discovered that there's more to
it than that. Indeed, these people seem to benefit from something
I'll call "created luck."

People who
create their own luck have certain traits in common. Here are
the secrets for deliberately bringing luck into your life:

Be
proactive. Show me a consistently lucky person and
I'll show you someone who doesn't sit back waiting for good
fortune to pay a visit. Indeed, lucky people put themselves
in a position to win by continually taking action in pursuit
of their goals.

Have
a dynamic, positive attitude. It has been proven
that we attract what we think about most. People who get the
breaks believe in themselves and in their abilities. They picture
themselves reaching their goals and are secure in the knowledge
that they'll master any and all challenges that come their way.
Therefore, to become a magnet for exceptional achievements,
maintain a confident outlook and concentrate on success!

Possess
a burning desire. Aside from being positive, lucky
people are passionate about achieving their goals. They're always
on the lookout to seize an opportunity, and you can bet they'll
bring enthusiasm and energy to the quest.

Be prepared. Earl Nightingale said it superbly: "If you are not prepared
for your opportunity when it comes, the opportunity will only
make you look silly." Lucky people are mentally, physically
and emotionally ready to perform at their maximum. They are
learners and hard workers. Whatever activity they are engaged
in, you'll find them reading, practicing and picking the brains
of successful people in that field. And they realize that the
preparation must be done before the fantastic opportunity presents
itself.

Display
incredible persistence and a long-term perspective. Most
people want a lucky break and they want it NOW! If only success
were that easy! Examine the lives of highly accomplished people
and you'll find that virtually each one overcame years of frustration
and setback, the few who refuse to quit when success is nowhere
on the horizon are the ones who eventually achieve the "impossible."

Pay
your dues. Lucky individuals are willing to start
small and work their way up. For instance, in high school and
in college, Michael Jordan wasn't the world's best basketball
player. Likewise, Oprah Winfrey didn't begin her career as a
host of her own national television show. They developed their
skills over time and earned the right to capitalize on their
opportunities.

Create
crystal clear objectives. Clarity
is power. Lucky people know what they want to accomplish and
can visualize the end result in vivid detail. They are motivated
by an exciting picture that they seek to bring into reality.
You just don't get very far with a vague notion that you want
to be "happy" or "successful."

Demonstrate
flexibility. Let's face it, no matter how well prepared you are, you can
never anticipate all the setbacks and detours you'll encounter.
Lucky people monitor their progress and make adjustments when
appropriate. When a particular strategy isn't working, they
don't complain and curse their bad luck; they just make a change.
In addition, they are extremely open - and able to take advantage
of - new opportunities that may arise as they pursue their original
goal.

Be a
risk-taker. This isn't about foolish, unprepared gambles. However, phenomenal,
ground-breaking success is usually reserved for those who will
venture into unknown territory.
In the end, successful people make their own luck. George Bernard
Shaw may have said it best: "The people who get on in this
world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances
they want and, if they can't find them, they make them."